Ken Griffey Jr. was originally not in the lineup. His best friend, Frank King, died earlier today in Orlando at age 38 from complications from cancer.
"That's why I had him out," Dusty Baker said. "I talked yesterday in the meeting about playing for someone. He said that was what his friend would want. . . It was a big deal for him to play."
Griffey and King were close as brothers. I got to know Frank a little, very good guy. He was well-known around the clubhouse. He's survived by 14-year-old and 3-year-old.
"Everyone's asking me if I'm all right," Griffey said. "I worried about them. Melissa, my mom and Frank's wife were with him."
My thoughts and prayers are with Frank's family.
The lineup for tonight v. the Cubs:
Ryan Freel cf
Griffey rf
Brandon Phillips 2b
Joey Votto 1b
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Adam Dunn lf
Jeff Keppinger ss
Paul Bako c
Johnny Cueto p
v. RH Ryan Dempster